This is the fourth pedestrian fatality on this street in as many years, highlighting dire need for safety overhaul

We are heartbroken to share that on December 5th 2024, 37-year-old Jessie Maroney was struck and killed by a driver while walking at the intersection of Terrace and Darragh Streets on Pitt’s Upper Campus in Oakland. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim.

According to the Pittsburgh Police, Jessie was hit by the driver of a white 2019 Freightliner box truck while crossing in a crosswalk. The driver first fled the scene, but was later located.

With four pedestrian fatalities in the past four years, this block is clearly in dire need of a safety overhaul. In addition to the death of Jessie Maroney this past week, UPMC employee Emily Watson was killed a block away just one year ago, Pitt student Barbara Como in March 2020 on DeSoto Street, and Air Force veteran Mary Flaherty in September 2020 on Terrace and Buffalo.

This tragedy is a reminder of the hazards pedestrians face in our city, even in places that should be designed for their safety. Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood is an area that is well-known to be bustling with students, faculty, and commuters. As communities like Oakland continue to grow and thrive, we must ask ourselves: why are streets still unsafe for people walking? Everyone deserves to be able to walk safely, without fearing for their lives.

Please consider donating to a GoFundMe fundraiser that has been set up to support Jessie’s family.

Vigil Planned for Dec. 11th at 4pm

The student-led bike and pedestrian advocacy group Complete Streets at Pitt will be holding a memorial vigil for Jessie Maroney at the intersection of Terrace and Darragh Streets where she was killed on Wednesday, December 11th at 4pm. All are welcome to join.

WHAT: Vigil for 37-year-old Jessie Maroney

WHEN: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 4:00pm.

WHERE: Darragh Street Park at the intersection of Terrace Street and Darragh Street

WHO: Road safety advocates, friends, and community members.

In the wake of this crash and several other recent fatalities on our roads, the urgency for ongoing advocacy for safer streets has never been more critical. Dangerous road conditions, insufficient pedestrian infrastructure, and reckless driving are taking lives, and this senseless loss must come to an end– It starts and ends with all of us.

WPXI – Woman killed in hit-and-run while crossing street in Oakland; suspected driver, vehicle found

KDKA – Woman killed in hit-and-run in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood

WTAE – Officials identify 37-year-old woman killed in hit-and-run in Pittsburgh’s West Oakland neighborhood

UPDATE: Photos from the Complete Streets at Pitt vigil honoring the life of Jessie Maroney. This tragedy is a reminder of the hazards pedestrians face in Pittsburgh and across the country. We need urgent and decisive action– We urge the City, Pitt, and UPMC to work together with the community to find an immediate solution to prioritize pedestrian safety on this perilous stretch of road.

Jessie Maroney should have never died. It can and should have been prevented. Complete Streets at Pitt, BikePGH, and local advocates have been fighting for safer streets. This vigil is a reminder that we must all be part of this movement. Thank you also to Councilperson Strassburger, City Council District 8, and Councilperson Charland, City Council District 3, for being in attendance and showing your support for safer streets. We need more voices to speak out and push for the changes that will protect our most vulnerable road users.

Zero traffic fatalities is the only acceptable number.

Bike Pittsburgh believes that every person has the right to safely travel on our streets without fear of death or serious injury. From a legacy of unsafe street design to irresponsible driving, people are at risk every day, especially people who walk, bike, and roll.

Over the past decade, Pittsburgh averaged 4,234 reported crashes per year. A person walking is hit every 34 hours. Approximately 20-25 Pittburghers die every year traveling our streets. About a third of these deaths every year are pedestrians. These deaths and injuries are preventable. Many cities across the country, including Pittsburgh, have committed publicly to end traffic fatalities and serious injuries, also known as Vision Zero. Pittsburgh, like other cities our size, can achieve this milestone. No Pittsburger should have to deal with losing a loved one to traffic violence on our streets.